Tonsillar carcinoma: analysis of treatment results

A diffusion cell with an artificial membrane and the single-pass perfused rabbit ear were used to evaluate the percutaneous absorption of clonazepam from various 2-hydroxyethyl acetate (HEA) patches. The influence on drug permeation of the various type of enhancers (isopropylmyristate, lauryl alcohol, propylene glycol and water) in the patches was tested. A comparison between the two types of systems of percutaneous absorption of clonazepam has been done. The results showed that HEA patches produce controlled uniform drug release, modulated by the addition of enhancers.     

Effects of clorazepate, diazepam, and oxazepam on a laboratory measurement of aggression in men

The liver S9 head space vial equilibration technique is an in vitro alternative that holds promises for a satisfactory in vivo extrapolation of liver metabolism of volatile organic chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of this methodology for the extrapolation of in vitro metabolic data from rodent to man by allometry with the two highly metabolized organic solvents toluene and n-hexane as model substances. The calculated hepatic clearance of toluene in man from rodent liver S9 in this study was equal to the reported total body clearance of toluene in man, suggesting insignificant extrahepatic clearance of toluene in humans. The calculated hepatic clearance of n-hexane was less than the reported values of total body clearance of n-hexane in man, indicating an about 80% extrahepatic clearance of n-hexane in humans. Both results are in line with our present knowledge of the metabolism of the two organic solvents in man. Allometric scaling from rodent liver S9 head space incubations to in vivo metabolism of toluene and n-hexane in man thus seems promising and could be a method of choice for scaling of organic solvent metabolism in general.     

Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and selected musculoskeletal disorders in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To provide a single source for the best available estimates of the national prevalence of arthritis in general and of selected musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the spondylarthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyalgia rheumatica/giant cell arteritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and low back pain). METHODS: The National Arthritis Data Workgroup reviewed data from available surveys, such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey series. For overall national estimates, we used surveys based on representative samples. Because data based on national population samples are unavailable for most specific musculoskeletal conditions, we derived data from various smaller survey samples from defined populations. Prevalence estimates from these surveys were linked to 1990 US Bureau of the Census population data to calculate national estimates. We also estimated the expected frequency of arthritis in the year 2020. RESULTS: Current national estimates are provided, with important caveats regarding their interpretation, for self-reported arthritis and selected conditions. An estimated 15% (40 million) of Americans had some form of arthritis in 1995. By the year 2020, an estimated 18.2% (59.4 million) will be affected. CONCLUSION: Given the limitations of the data on which they are based, this report provides the best available prevalence estimates for arthritis and other rheumatic conditions overall, and for selected musculoskeletal disorders, in the US population.     

Protein disulfide isomerase as a regulator of chloroplast translational activation

Light-regulated translation of chloroplast messenger RNAs (mRNAs) requires trans-acting factors that interact with the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of these mRNAs. Chloroplast polyadenylate-binding protein (cPABP) specifically binds to the 5'-UTR of the psbA mRNA and is essential for translation of this mRNA. A protein disulfide isomerase that is localized to the chloroplast and copurifies with cPABP was shown to modulate the binding of cPABP to the 5'-UTR of the psbA mRNA by reversibly changing the redox status of cPABP through redox potential or adenosine 5'-diphosphate-dependent phosphorylation. This mechanism allows for a simple reversible switch regulating gene expression in the chloroplast.     

Carriage of multiresistant Streptococcus pneumoniae among children attending day-care centres in the Stockholm area

An enforced treatment and institutionalization of psychiatric patients are implying a deep cut in the personal rights and freedom of these people. To prevent an abuse of psychiatry as a federal instrument of power and for the protection of all participants (patients and psychiatry personnel) a strict obeyance of federal rules and regulation required. Following to those aspects it is possible to minimate the uncertainty and retention of non-experienced doctors in psychiatry opposite the classical conflict concerning mental cruelty.